CX704 Metal Mini Lathe

There is a mandatory 1-2 hour safety and training course or shorter checkout that must be taken before the mini-lathe may be used.

This is a Craftex CX704 7“ x 12” Mini Metal Lathe, purchased from Busy Bee Tools. It's a clone of the Sieg C2 mini-lathe (sieg-machines.de).

Serial Number: 40089

VHS has a store account with Busy Bee Tools under the email: directors@vanhack.ca — use this when ordering parts or accessories.

This benchtop lathe provides core functions suited for hobby machining and small part fabrication. It features variable spindle speed control with a high/low gear range, forward/reverse direction switch, a cast iron bed for stability, and standard tooling such as a three-jaw chuck, change gears, and a threading dial.

Note: Specifications are based on the machine’s labeling and manufacturer documentation. Some values, such as spindle bore or power rating, may differ slightly from real-world measurements or across clone models.

<WRAP center round download 60%> CX704 User Manual (PDF) </WRAP>

<WRAP center round download 60%> Little Machine Shop Mini Lathe User Guide (PDF) </WRAP>

<WRAP center round download 60%> Grinding Tool Bits (PDF) </WRAP>

<WRAP info round 80% center> BlondiHacks: Lathe Training Video Series

This YouTube playlist covers beginner to intermediate lathe operations, safety, tooling, and machining techniques. Clear instruction with demonstrations using a mini-lathe.

▶️ Watch the Playlist on YouTube </WRAP>

<WRAP tip round 80% center> Allowed Materials

• Aluminum
• Steel
• Stainless Steel, non-hardened grades like 303 or 304
• Brass (with special tooling to reduce chip welding)
• Delrin, ABS, PVC, etc (most plastics)

</WRAP>

<WRAP important round 80% center> ❌ Banned Materials

• Wood
• Fibrous materials
• Carbon fiber
• Fiberglass-epoxy composites (e.g. G10)
• Stone
• Anything that creates dust or grit
• Pretty much anything that's not metal or plastic

This mini-lathe is not powerful enough to handle hardened, tempered, tool, or annealed steels. </WRAP>

Cutting speeds can be determined easily by using this cutting speed nomogram.

• Cutter types

• Purchase quick change tool post and tool holders

Currently a plastic container. A more permanent location should be found.

<WRAP note round 80% center> This lathe was purchased through a successful community fundraising effort. The original proposal and discussion can be found here:

👉 Fundraiser Proposal: Purchase CX704 Mini Lathe for VHS (vanhack.ca forum)

A huge thank you to all the donors who contributed, and to VHS for providing matching funds to make this possible. 🛠️❤️ </WRAP>

<WRAP info round center 80%> Click any image to enlarge. These photos document the accessories and paperwork included with the CX704 lathe. </WRAP>

<gallery> tool:machineshop:mini-lathe:Mini-Lathe1.jpeg|Lathe Overview tool:machineshop:mini-lathe:Mini-Lathe_4jaw_chuck.jpeg|4-Jaw Chuck tool:machineshop:mini-lathe:Mini-Lathe_drillchuck.jpeg|Drill Chuck tool:machineshop:mini-lathe:Mini-Lathe_fuse.jpeg|Fuse (spare) tool:machineshop:mini-lathe:Mini-Lathe_gears.jpeg|Change Gears tool:machineshop:mini-lathe:Mini-Lathe_live_center.jpeg|Live Center tool:machineshop:mini-lathe:Mini-Lathe_serial_no.jpeg|Serial Number Tag tool:machineshop:mini-lathe:Mini-Lathe_user_manual.jpeg|User Manual (Paper) tool:machineshop:mini-lathe:Mini-Lathe_warrantee.jpeg|Warranty Card </gallery>